Experienced defender Cliff Byrne has put pen to paper in a deal to join the Latics. Byrne made 332 first-team appearances over a nine-year period for Scunthorpe United until he was released in May. Latics boss Paul Dickov commented, "I have seen a lot of Cliff and he is comfortable at both centre back and right back. I am delighted the way our recruitment has gone and we needed experience, which Cliff provides, not just at the back but throughout the whole team. Cliff had been on our radar all summer and there was a lot of competition to sign him. Yet again, however, he was a player who wanted to come to us. He likes the training and atmosphere at the club. Cliff has played a lot of games and above all is a leader, both on and off the pitch."
Byrne added, "I am delighted to announce that I am now an Oldham player. Can't wait for the season to start."